What Queueing Theory Explains
Every network device—router, peer, or blockchain validator— handles packets that arrive and wait for service. Arrival rate (λ) measures how often packets come in. Service rate (μ) measures how fast they are processed.
If λ grows close to μ, waiting lines form. When λ exceeds μ, queues expand without limit—causing congestion and delay. This simple relationship models both internet routers and blockchain nodes.
“Queueing theory teaches that performance is about balance: when arrivals outpace service, delay is inevitable.”